In a groundbreaking study from the University of Warwick, words such as ‘sex’ have been revealed to endure in our language through a ‘survival of the fittest’ process, akin to natural selection (word Evolution). While recent discussions on the Word of the Year focus on new terms like ‘rizz’ or ‘situationship,’ Professor Thomas Hills’ research delves into the intricacies of why certain words withstand the test of time in our modern linguistic landscape.
WORD EVOLUTION; FACTORS INFLUENCING WORD LONGEVITY
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), identifies key factors that contribute to the lasting power of words:
- Early Acquisition: Words acquired earlier in life exhibit greater longevity in language evolution.
- Concreteness: Words associated with tangible concepts, termed ‘concrete’ words, endure more effectively. For instance, ‘cat’ is more enduring than ‘animal,’ which, in turn, is more enduring than ‘organism.’
- Arousal: Words that evoke strong emotions, such as ‘sex’ and ‘fight,’ have a higher likelihood of enduring in language.
WORD EVOLUTION; Cognitive Selection in Language Evolution
The study delves into the concept of ‘cognitive selection,’ a process through which the human brain filters and processes information. In today’s information-rich world, where various forms compete for attention, understanding how the brain selectively retains linguistic information becomes crucial.
Thomas Hills, professor of Psychology at the University of Warwick, emphasizes the complexity of information evolution within the mind. He notes that while languages change due to social, cultural, and cognitive influences, the mind remains relatively stable, exerting lasting impacts on language evolution.
UNVEILING THE STUDY METHODOLOGY
The research involved two phases. Firstly, a story-retelling experiment engaged over 12,000 participants who were asked to retell short stories. Secondly, psychologists analyzed millions of words from fiction and non-fiction books, newspapers, and magazines spanning two centuries (1800 to 2000).
IMPLICATIONS BEYOND WORDS
The study’s implications extend beyond the realm of words, offering insights into the broader landscape of information evolution. It prompts reflection on how the human brain’s cognitive selection influences what endures in an ever-changing information marketplace.
As languages continue to evolve, this research provides a fascinating glimpse into the factors that contribute to the survival of certain words, unveiling the intricate interplay between the human mind and linguistic evolution.
The expression “survival of the fittest” originates from Darwin’s theory of evolution, specifically referring to the mechanism of natural selection. This process drives evolutionary changes by favoring the survival and reproduction of organisms that are most proficient in obtaining and utilizing resources. Consequently, it leads to the development of organisms that are well-suited to their environment.
In a broader context, the phrase is also employed metaphorically to depict situations where only the strongest individuals or entities endure and prosper. This extends beyond biological evolution to describe scenarios in which the most robust or adaptable prevail, reflecting the competitive nature of certain environments or circumstances.